This Kaplan micro hydro turbine can produce power with as little as 1ft of water head level. At 10ft of head the turbine will produce 1000 watts of power and use 1000gpm of flow. If less than 600gpm of flow is available it is recomended to use the 500W Kaplan. See table below for more production estimates.

This low head Kaplan turbine uses a brushless permanent magnet alternator with an adjustable voltage. Typical operating voltages are 12, 24, 48 or 120 volts. The turbine is designed to operate in conjunction with a charge controller or grid tied inverter to supply standard electrical appliances.

The Kaplan turbine is a reaction turbine, which means that it is completely submerged in water during operation and can be as high as 20ft above the outlet. Water enters the through the turbine's multi-bladed wicket gate and spirals on to a propeller shaped runner, causing it to spin. The outlet is a specially shaped draft tube that helps decelerate the water and recover kinetic energy. The rotational energy of the shaft turns the generator which produces electricity.

One installation method is to channel water from a stream or river into a sluiceway and install a draft tube extending to the tailwater below. Aurora Power can recommend the best installation method for your application.

Aurora Power & Design professionally installs hydro power systems throughout the western United States. If you would like an estimate for professional installation please contact us.